FONT

SHARE THIS

MORE STORIES

Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day

Brought to you by David Anchel-Elmer's Flag and Banner, Kites Too! - FLAG, BANNER and KITE INSIDER-

Americans around the country will celebrate our armed forces this year on May 18 and honor the fallen on Memorial Day, May 27.

Armed Forces Day

Rather than have individual days to honor Army, Airforce, Marines, and Navy separately, in 1949 Defense Secretary Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day to honor all branches of the military.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated with an impressive Washington D.C. parade where 10,000 troops of each branch, veterans, and cadets marched past Harry S. Truman and his cabinet. There were also air shows and receptions across the country.

Today, Armed Forces Day is celebrated in numerous ways on the 3rd Saturday in May. On many military bases, Americans honor our fighting forces with picnics, festivals, parties and parades.

Memorial Day

Take a moment to recognize and honor the ultimate sacrifice of uniformed Americans this Memorial Day. Originally, this federal holiday was known as Decoration Day because of the hundreds of small flags decorating the graves of soldiers; a tradition that is still maintained today.

You don't have to be military to value the importance of our national security or the sacrifices our fellow Americans have made for us. We can all share in the honor of our brave soldiers whether in war or peace.

This year, consider flying a military flag on Armed Forces Day to show your support. We carry hundreds of American-made flags and banners of different sizes. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Merchant Marines, and Navy; we have them all along with Old Glory.